"This is an established Scottish Premier League Club with a fantastic playing squad, infrastructure and youth set up and I cannot wait to start working with the players.

"When I spoke to the board of directors, we shared the same vision and belief with regards to how Dundee United should progress.

"This club has very strong foundations with the majority of the first team squad under contract beyond this summer and a very strong youth structure in place.

"I am sure the Dundee United supporters will appreciate how I like to play the game and I look forward to working with everyone connected with the club to take us forward."

McNamara will begin his United career with the eagerly-awaited William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round clash against Rangers at Tannadice on Saturday.

United chairman Stephen Thompson added: "It was important that we moved quickly to appoint a new manager, but it was equally important that we undertook extensive homework to ensure the correct appointment.

"We have worked on this for some time and after receiving great interest in the position and undertaking a rigorous interview process, it was clear to the board of directors that Jackie was the outstanding candidate to take the club forward in the manner we wish."

Partick Thistle have announced defender Alan Archibald will take charge of team affairs while they search for McNamara's replacement.

Hibernian have confirmed on-loan midfielder Jorge Claros will remain in Edinburgh for the rest of the season.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier league outfit have struck a deal with the Honduras international's parent club Motagua to extend his stay in Leith until May.

Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Noring is training with Celtic with a view to a late transfer window move.

Lubos Kamenar, who arrived on loan at Celtic at the start of the season, was recently allowed to return to France, opening up a place behind Fraser Forster and Lukasz Zaluska in the pecking order.

Aberdeen will have talks with goalkeeper Dan Twardzik on Thursday.

Twardzik, whose brothers Filip and Patrik are with Celtic, most recently played for Italian third tier side Calcio Como.

Rangers winger Barrie McKay has made good on a promise to boss Ally McCoist and penned a new five-year deal.

McKay, along with team-mates Lewis Macleod and Robbie Crawford, vowed to pledge himself to Rangers until 2017 back in August.

However, Scottish Football Association rules barred the player from signing his new contract until he turned 18 on December 30.

With the red tape now out of the way, McCoist revealed his delight at securing the player on a long-term agreement.

Rangers have confirmed defender Darren Cole will miss the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The 21-year-old full-back has been out of action since suffering the injury in the Ibrox club's match with Annan on Jan 2.